FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFRNS) -- In April, the Tricare Management Activity recorded the highest percentage of customers using its mail order pharmacy program since 2003. Currently, Tricare fills slightly less than 7 percent of beneficiary prescriptions through the mail order pharmacy. 

The Department of Defense expects to increase the mail order market share to 10 percent by the end of 2006.

"We are proud of this first benchmark of success, and we are confident that more beneficiaries will make use of this safe, easy and cost-effective option to get their medications," said Army Major General Elder Granger, TMA deputy director. "I also want to personally thank the beneficiary organizations that have worked with us to increase the use of the mail order pharmacy. These organizations understand that together we must do all we can to sustain this great benefit. This move toward increased usage of our mail order program is an encouraging sign that our message is being heard and beneficiaries are starting to take advantage of this underutilized, low cost option."

In February, the TMA launched an education campaign to inform beneficiaries about the savings and convenience of the mail order pharmacy. Beneficiaries can save as much as 66 percent on maintenance medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma or diabetes. The mail order pharmacy ships up to a 90-day supply of most medications for the same cost as a 30-day supply at a retail pharmacy.

Mail-order service is recommended for maintenance medications that beneficiaries use for long periods. For immediate or short term needs for medications, beneficiaries may chose to fill prescriptions at military treatment facilities or local retail pharmacies.

Beneficiaries may enroll in the mail order program by telephone, mail or online. For more information, visit www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy/tmop.cfm.